(3/10) Snow in the Valley

Don't know if you noticed but we do have snow. I have been told that we had an accumulation of 26 inches which may have set a new snow record for Carroll Valley. The snow has brought out the best in us - that is neighbors helping neighbors.

We are a community of individuals. Sometimes because of our busy schedules and our desire for privacy, we may never get to know our neighbors. However, during times of need we are pleasantly surprise by our neighbors.

I have heard many stories where our people helped others clearing out their driveways and offering to food shop for those who were caught short. One such example is how Brian Wyant who in a quiet unassuming way helped many local retirees in the "K" section to clear their driveways. People like Kevin Richards, Bob Mawler, Cindy Clark, John Eddins, Jason Montgomery and others make Carroll Valley a "caring community" of individuals.

I also want to thank our Municipal Services Department for the great job they are doing in clearing our 65 miles of trails. Please remember that in some places in Carroll Valley snow narrows the road, so slow down when driving.

By the way, it was reported by Fox43.com that on February 13th the First Lady Michelle Obama and her two daughters, Sasha and Mala enjoyed a day of sking and snow tubing at Ski Liberty.

Be Counted

In March, the United States (U.S.) Census Bureau will be mailing out the census forms. The 2010 Census hopes to count all U.S. residents - citizens and non-citizens alike. To accomplish this goal, the Census Bureau is sending out a short 10 - question form to every household. You are required to fill in the form to account for everyone living at your address as of April 1, 2010. The census package contains a prepaid envelope so that you can mail it back. If you do not fill it out, you will be visited by a census taker who will obtain the necessary information.

The information you provide is protected by Title 13 of the U.S. Code. Violating this law is a crime with severe penalties - a fine of $250,000 or imprisonment of to five years or both. Our Pennsylvania Attorney General, Tom Corbett, has said that case law exists which has proven even FBI and immigration may not have access to personalized information for 72 years after it gathered. April 1st is National Census Day. This day is being used as a point of reference for you to complete the form and return it. Census takers will be deployed during the period April to July 2010 to visit households that did not return the form. By law, in December 2010 the Census Bureau will deliver the population information to the President for apportionment. And by law, the Census Bureau completes the delivery of redistricting data to the states in March 2011. You cannot fill out this form online.

If you are interested in taking a look at the form before it arrives, go to www.2010.census.gov, click Read More under The Whole Story, and on the left side of the web page, click Explore the form here. Please fill out the form. It will help the Borough of Carroll Valley better plan to serve your community needs.

Upcoming Events and Meetings

Some of the upcoming events or meetings you might be interested in attending. On Monday, March 1st the Planning Commission will meet. March 6th and 7th, Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve is offering a 90 minute program on the history of maple sugaring. After the lecture, the attendees are led to the forest where they select a tree, drill into in, hang a sap bucket, collect snap and watch fresh sap being cooked down into syrup before their eyes. The program costs $5 for members and $8 for non-members. To signup and to check on start time contact Strawberry Hill at (717) 642-5840.

On Monday, March 8th the Public Safety Committee is scheduled to meet. On Tuesday, March 9th the Borough Council will be held. Finally, the Parks and Recreation Committee plans to meet on Wednesday, March 24th. The Borough Council, Planning Commission and Borough Committees meet at 7:00 pm and are held at the Borough Office.

Again, if I can be of help, please do not hesitate to contact me at mayor@carrollvalley.org or call me at 717- 642-8269 Ext. 32.